By Guest Contributor Sara Mais Photos by Monique Kuhlman Have you ever wondered about how to add a hint of sustainability to your lifestyle? I’m not talking about going full-on eco-warrior here (though more power to you if you want to take it to the next level!) but more in the family-friendly, non-time consuming, local solutions kind of way.  As the Development Director for LA-based plastic pollution non-profit, the 5 Gyres Institute, my job is to fundraise for and promote o

By Brittany Hart Scholten Photo by Justin Rudd Jake Heflin, Battalion Chief When someone picks up the phone and dials 911, they are placing their absolute trust in the people who will show up at their door. “This could be the worst or most vulnerable day of their life. They open the door to firefighters, who are complete strangers, and invite them into their most personal space to take care of them and their family.” Jake Heflin, Battalion Chief for the Long Beach Fire Depart

By Natalie Hale Photos submitted by Rotary Club of Long Beach Tucked into a quiet stretch near Pacific Coast Highway and Junipero Avenue, Rotary Centennial Park is a safe and welcoming green space for nearby residents, families, walkers, and children at play. For two decades, it has been part of the neighborhood—familiar, reliable, and quietly cared for. Created in 2005 as part of Rotary International’s centennial celebration, the park transformed what had long been an unused

By Kathleen Mest Photos submitted by businesses Our LB908 mission has always been to support our local small businesses. Our “Life is Great in the 908” Subscription Box is delivered directly to your home and is always a surprise! Introducing our local vendors from our January 2026 Subscription Box! These businesses aren’t just about products, the products reflect the local people behind them! OH.MY.DATES. Website: eatohmydates.com Instagram: @ eatohmydates OH.MY.DATES. is a s

By Gina Valencia Photos by Izzy Juarez In need of a special gift for your Valentine? Ready to spruce up your living area with something unique? Resale and vintage shops remain an overlooked option for gifts and home decor. Crowded malls drain energy and money. Online shopping saves time but lacks the thrill of discovery.  For shoppers who want meaning, surprise, and personality in their finds, second hand stores offer a better path. Long Beach, with its layered past and creat

Written By Jeff Levine Jeff Levine As we step into a new year, I find myself reflecting on the idea of “New Year’s resolutions.” They represent our best intentions—hopes for growth, healing, and change. January invites us to pause, to look honestly at where we have been and where we long to go. And yet, we all know how easily good intentions can fall short. Beneath that reality is a deeper truth we all share: while the desire for renewal is real, lasting change requires fidel

By John Grossi For Isaac Salgado, family isn’t just who RUNS the business, it’s the reason he’s dedicated his life to becoming an expert in this niche industry. Isaac spent the early part of his adult life climbing the height of the culinary industry from opening restaurants to being an Executive Chef. “I had dream jobs in the culinary field but none provided time for raising a family,” says Isaac who never had a weekend, holiday or any other night off. Mariela and Isaac Salg

By Brittany Hart Scholten The Darren Rockett Youth Cadet Program (AKA Rockett Academy), named in honor of firefighter Darren Rockett, has become a unique program for young people in Long Beach and surrounding cities. It gives teens unprecedented hands-on experience and shows them that careers in emergency services are within reach, even for those from disadvantaged backgrounds. Photo of Rockett Academy submitted by LBFD “The biggest goal for me is just that they gain confiden

By Kathleen Mest Photo by California Task Force 5 Wade and Dallas I have the privilege of being friends with the Haller family and discovered that Long Beach Fire Department’s Live Victim Search dog is their pet, Dallas. What?! I guess I thought “fire-dogs” lived at the fire station?? So I met up with Wade Haller (Dallas’ handler) to find out more. LB908: How long have you worked with the Fire Department? Wade: I’ve worked for LBFD for 25 years as Firefighter, Firefighter/Par

By Brittany Hart Scholten Captain Christopher Duffy Last January, the Long Beach Fire Department deployed two “strike teams” to assist with the Palisades and Eaton Fires. A strike team consists of five fire engines, each staffed with four firefighters, along with a strike team leader and additional support personnel. In total, Long Beach sent approximately 50 fire personnel to assist in battling the two major fires. For Captain Duffy, responding beyond city limits is part of

By Brittany Hart Scholten Information provided by Images of America, Long Beach Fire Dept. Paul and Jim Meiers | Courtesy of Thomas Cordova & The Long Beach Post The Meiers Family Paul grew up immersed in the fire department. Backyard BBQs, station Christmas potlucks, camping trips, and helping fellow firefighters with home projects were part of life. “I’ve known I wanted to be a firefighter since I was seven, when my dad became a Long Beach firefighter,” he said. His father,

By Brittany Hart Scholten Information provided by Images of America, Long Beach Fire Dept. Ever wondered how firefighters raced into danger before flashing lights, sirens, and high-tech engines? The Long Beach Firefighters Museum at the historic Station 10 on Peterson Avenue in Cambodia Town has preserved the department’s past, from its perseverance to success. There, you can find everything from an antique 1907 steam engine to a revolutionary 1914 gas mask to old photographs